What you could do this summer

San Miguel comes alive in the summer with festivals and activities. Here’s an overview of major events—check Atención articles and Que Pasa for specifics as the date nears.

The Sounds of the Supremes™ concert is Thursday, July 17, 8:30pm, at El Alamo, across from Hotel Angeles on Salida a Celaya. Tickets to the Patronato Pro Niños benefit are US$75–200 and they auction some serious goodies.

Expresión en Corto International Film Festival is so big it sprawls over two cities. This eleventh edition is in San Miguel July 18–22, and Guanajuato July 23–27. Since screenings are free, it’s best to arrive 15–30 minutes early. “Movies with Mummy” at midnight in local graveyards are hugely popular; assume a two-hour wait. Erotic movies in the Guanajuato tunnels also are well attended. This year’s Spotlight Country is India, home of Bollywood and the world’s biggest film industry. The official website after July 8 is www.expresionencorto.com.

Doc Makes a House Call to benefit Sociedad Protectora de Animales and Amigos de Animales of San Miguel and Guanajuato. The concert with Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida is Tuesday, July 22, 6–10pm, at Casa Jazmin (1,000 pesos).

Festival de Música de Cámara (Chamber Music Festival), July 31–August 17, is the 30th summer San Miguel has been graced with world-class performances.

The Ahn Trio, three glamorous young Korean sisters, play only works by living composers and sometimes join forces with dancers, pop singers and painters. The Synergy Brass Quintet, Ying Quartet and La Catrina string quartet also are on the bill. Information: www.festivalsanmiguel.com.

Casa de Los Angeles daycare and community center moves into its new colonia Santa Julia facility on August 9. Auction of unique rocking chairs especially decorated by local artists. Information: casadelosangeles.org. 

Summer Literary Festival, August 19–21, Hotel Real de Minas. Guests are novelist Tom Robbins and editor Alan Rinzler. Workshops, receptions, dinners, screening of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. Information: sanmiguelauthors.com.

Religious festivals

El Señor de la Columna pilgrimage in early July leaves San Juan de Dios church in the morning and arrives at Atotonilco around noon.

Feast of Atotonilco in mid-July draws pilgrims in native dress, conchero dancers, music, fireworks. 

Feast of the Virgin of Carmen is July 16 and the whole month is devoted to her.

Feast of St. Anne is July 26; the grandmother of Jesus is honored at Santa Ana church, next door to the Biblioteca.

Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was executed July 30, 1811, in Coahuila (anniversary).